Henry Nicholls’ century leaves New Zealand firmly in the driver’s seat on the stumps on Day 3
New Zealand stepped up in the second Test against England at The Oval on Friday as Henry Nicholls’ unbeaten century and Rachin Ravindra’s fluent half-century helped the visitors build a 352-run lead at stumps on Day 3.
New Zealand secured a first-innings lead of 100 after bowling England out for 291 shortly before lunch, overcame an early wobble in their second innings to finish the day on 252 for 3, leaving England staring at the prospect of a mammoth fourth innings.
Nicholls, recalled to the next page Kane Williamson has retired after the first Test, he put together an unbeaten 119 and shared a pivotal 161-run partnership with Ravindra that swung the contest firmly in New Zealand’s favour. Daryl Mitchell added to England’s frustration late in the day and was unbeaten on 32 at stumps.
ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard
HENRY CURSING THE TONE
England resumed the day on 226 for 6 but lost Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue in quick succession as Matthew Henry completed his first five-wicket haul against England.
The skipper, who had already removed Joe Root and Harry Brook late on the second day, continued his impressive spell by dismissing Cox for 22. Archer followed soon after when he attempted a wide shot before Tongue became the ninth wicket to fall as England slipped from 235 for 6 to 238 for 9.
The hosts looked set for a much lower total when Matthew Fisher produced a spirited unbeaten 50 from the 9th over. His 53 for the last wicket with Sonny Baker helped England reach 291 to reduce New Zealand’s first innings lead to 100.
ENGLAND’S BRIEF HOPE
England’s bowlers responded strongly at the start of New Zealand’s second innings.
Playing with pace and hostility, Archer struck an early blow when Tom Latham fell four behind after a delivery had hidden off the surface. Josh Tongue then removed Devon Conway for 11, leaving New Zealand in trouble at 28 for 2.
England briefly sensed an opportunity to drag themselves back into the contest.
That hope grew further when Ravindra edged Tongue at seven, only for keeper James Rew to put away a point-blank chance. It turned out to be a costly mistake.
NICHOLLS, RAVINDRA YOU LEAD GREATNESS
Ravindra a Glen Phillips steadied the inning before the left-hander began to dominate proceedings. Ravindra batted with fluency and confidence, punishing anything loose and quickly shifting the pressure back to England.
The 25-year-old smashed his way to 76 off 99 deliveries and combined with Nicholls for a decisive 161-run stand that effectively swung the match in New Zealand’s direction.
England eventually found a breakthrough through Jacob Bethell, who trapped Ravindra lbw as he attempted a sweeping century that appeared within reach.
However, the hosts did not have much of a respite as Nicholls continued to exploit the ideal batting conditions.
The experienced left-hander brought up his 11th Test century with a Bethell boundary to remain unbeaten on 119 at the stumps. Mitchell then added further momentum and ended the day unbeaten on 32 as New Zealand extended their lead past 350.
Having lost the opening Test at Lord’s by 115 runs, New Zealand are now firmly in the driver’s seat to level the three-match series.
With seven wickets still in hand and a lead already in excess of 350, the visitors will look to blast England out of the contest on Day 4 and come within touching distance of leveling the series.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
20 Jun 2026 02:02 IST